Cherry-Evans set to sign long-term contract

The Manly Sea Eagles have opened negotiations to extend the contract of rookie of the year contender Daly Cherry-Evans.

The Queensland product is signed until the end of next season, but Manly coach Des Hasler has indicated his intention to secure Cherry-Evans long-term. With five-eighth Kieran Foran, the Sea Eagles have developed a halves combination capable of directing the team for at least the next five seasons.

Foran is under contract until the end of 2014.

Manly are unlikely to let a second rookie halfback be poached by a rival after losing Trent Hodkinson to the Bulldogs last year.

Manly recruitment guru Noel Cleal confirmed the Sea Eagles targeted halfback as a position they needed to strengthen as part of the club’s strategic plan before winning the 2008 premiership.